St George Illawarra coach Steve Price under pressure to make decisions about veterans Ben Hornby and Matt Cooper

THE easiest story to write is Wayne Bennett's dark times at the Knights. But what about the dark times at the Dragons without Bennett?

Andrew Webster

DailyTelegraphJune 22, 201210:31am

STEVE Price is widely considered a chip off the old Wayne Bennett block. The comparisons are becoming stronger. With two months to go, the Dragons and Knights are heading in the same direction - to nowhere.

The easiest story to write at the moment is about Bennett's dark times at the Knights. But what about the dark times at the Dragons without Wayne Bennett?

Make no mistake: Price's future is rusted on to the roster that Bennett left him with. Tough calls need to be made about two beloved but ageing warriors - captain Ben Hornby and centre Matt Cooper - if Price is to keep his job beyond his contract, which ends next season.

His side sits in 11th position, having lost five of its last six, and look an eternity away from the one that led the competition this time last season. Despite the promise in February of an attacking brand of footy, allegedly unshackled following Bennett's departure, the Dragons have scored fewer points than any other team. Even Parramatta.

Yes, they have lost two matches in golden-point and their best prop in Mick Weyman to injury for the season.

But should they lose to a resurgent Titans in Wollongong tonight, a volatile supporter base will start ponting the finger in one direction.

At the rookie coach.

"The one thing about Pricey is that you always know where you stand with him," fullback Brett Morris told the dozen reporters who turned up to yesterday's media session. "He knows how to do his job and he does it well.

"It's a shame we haven't been getting the results for him."

Like Bennett, Price is admired by his players. Like Bennett, he doesn't care if the media lauds him or not. The issue is whether he can fight his way out of this losing trend.

There's a delicate and sensitive situation looming for Price. It is not one of his making.

The cold reality is that Hornby and Cooper are playing on tired legs.

Both are contracted for next season, yet some at the Dragons believe they have bitten off a season too long.

The club was shopped Penrith's out-of-favour Origin centre Michael Jennings a month ago, but waved him away - because they want a halfback. They had a nibble at Cooper Cronk earlier this year and are expected to make a big play for Roosters superstar Mitchell Pearce for 2013, but few players easily walk away from all-powerful chairman Nick Politis.

In the meantime, speculation continues about five-eighth Jamie Soward, who has been often maligned but the man who has seemingly stopped his side from unravelling at times this season.

He has been linked to French rugby, and English powerhouse Wigan.

Last week, Hornby was asked about his future. He indicated he mightn't make a decision until midway through next season.